Fiery exchanges dominated the debate between Democratic state Rep. James Fagan and his Republican challenger, Shaunna O’Connell.

The Taunton Daily Gazette and The Herald News sponsored the cross-questioning, Lincoln-Douglas-style debate, which was held Monday night at Friedman Middle School.

Democratic state Sen. Marc Pacheco and Republican David Pottier also took to the stage to debate the issues. READ MORE about their debate.

O’Connell repeatedly characterized Fagan as an insider in a corrupt House of Representatives, taking issue with his support of House speakers who went on to be indicted. The incumbent, in turn, cast the Republican as someone who lacks the skill and experience to get the job done.

“Who will be the most effective person to lead us in the difficult two years ahead of us? Fagan rhetorically asked. “Someone who has the education, the experience and has earned the respect and loyalty of his colleagues in government.”

Meanwhile, O’Connell pledged to “restore trust, integrity and accountability” to the Legislature.

“I’m not a politician and I’m not a lawyer,” she said. “I’m a common citizen who’s fed up just like you.”

“We don’t need another fast-talking lawyer up on Beacon Hill,” she added.

Fagan suggested that O’Connell may not be as much of an outsider as she said she is.

“You’ve been running for office for two years and you’ve paid over $1,000 to a political consultant who writes a column for the Boston Herald,” he said. “Are you being disingenuous, or are you trying to kid people into thinking you’re something you’re not?”

O’Connell responded by saying that she is running a “grassroots campaign.”

“People are working on this campaign who’ve never been involved in politics before,” she said.

During Fagan’s responses, O’Connell often flipped through papers on her desk and at one point appeared to look down to check her mobile phone.

When O’Connell criticized Fagan for supporting legislation for Bunker Hill Day and Evacuation Day, which she called “hack holidays,” one of the more heated moments ensued.

“This is going to be a tough one for you; you have to count,” Fagan said. “Every state employee gets 13 days.”

Fagan suggested that because O’Connell’s children attend private schools, the Republican wouldn’t be able to relate to the education issues that are a major focus in the state Legislature.

“You don’t believe in the city of Taunton, its teachers or its schools,” he said.

O’Connell accused the Democrat of attacking her children by raising the issue.

“Saying that you have to have kids in public schools to understand the issues and do a good job is just ridiculous,” she said. “I know we have a great school system in the city of Taunton. I made a personal choice and sacrificed to do it.”

Page 2 of 2 - Fagan spoke about his track record.

“I’m about the delivery of services: Five new schools, the new courthouse project, open space and many other things that improve the quality of life," he said.